An unique experience into the lives of Special Educational Needs Children and Teenagers.

Working with special needs children as a volunteer often requires a little extra love, patience, and care, but the rewards are always filled with fun and laughter.

From 10th to 15th December 2022, a group of 15 students from the School of Psychology (SOP) had an incredible opportunity to volunteer at the Special Needs Children and Teenagers Camp in Kulim, Kedah, with the guidance of of Mr. Jaff Choong Gian Yong and Ms. Izzati Bashir.

This camp, run by the 2 Way Centre Camp and the Penang Mental Health Association, provides a practical experience and a unique window into the lives of Special Educational Needs (SEN), which includes children with intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, autism, and ADHD. The APU Psychology Society raised funds to support the camp by selling delicious brownies and collecting donations from the APU community.

During the camp, the student volunteers worked with a total of 29 special needs children and teenagers, ranging from mild to severe cases of Autistic (ASD), Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and other learning and behavioral difficulties.

The volunteers were assigned a child or teenager to work with throughout the 5-day camp and participated in daily activities such as having meals and playing games together. The camp also included exciting excursions to the Penang Bird Park and the Mahamariannam Temple, as well as fun water games, a disco night, a bonfire, and a hike.

The student volunteers found the experience to be incredibly meaningful and insightful, and appreciated the opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge in a real-world setting. They also valued the relationships they built with the SEN children and found the camp to be a healing and enriching experience.

“I learned a lot in the camp and knew lots of wonderful people there! And I think it's a healing camp for me as I get to open myself more. I am really grateful that I chose to participate in the camp.” Jia Jia, Year 2 student and Vice President of APU Psychology Society (took care of an emotional disturbed child and an ADHD child).

“Grateful for the 2 Way Centre, APU, and the respected lecturers for making this opportunity possible and for helping to guide us on our journey. This Camp was a tremendous hands-on learning opportunity that allowed for both personal development and practical, as opposed to purely academic, learning." Ahmed, Year 2 student (took care of a severe ASD youth).

“One of the most beautiful things I experienced in the camp was the process of getting to know and then becoming friends with children there. When I look back at first seeing that number of children was giving me so much stress and all I wanted to do was run away! But step by step towards the end of the camp all of them was like my family, each familiar and each with their own lovely character. I enjoyed myself being with them and all the other volunteers and teachers, it was great to see how 2 Way Centre tries to make the camp full of fun and memorable activities. I’ll always appreciate the opportunity for having this experience and meeting with this lovely and nice people.” Parisa, Year 1 student (took care of a severe high functioning ASD youth).

Overall, the camp was a huge success and the School of Psychology can't wait to participate in similar events in the future.